Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is important to note a few key differences. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its novel CAP structure, resulting in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. With aerodynamic principles in mind, the unique stem includes tiny holes to release excess air, reducing resistance and enhancing smoothness. Additionally, the enlarged, hollowed-out stem post ensures stability and minimal wobble, elevating the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its silent operation. While the CAP Anniversary is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Silent Green remains uncategorized. When choosing between these switches, the CAP Anniversary may be preferred for its smooth keystrokes and stability, while the Silent Green could be chosen for a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Green switches, we can see that both switches use polycarbonate material for their top housings. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The CAP Anniversary utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Green uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, carrying over the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
The choice of housing material for the bottom housing of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary, typists can enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out the key. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green will provide a crisper and sharper bottom-out sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can influence the typing feel and sound signature of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Green switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing experience. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart. The CAP Anniversary offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, creating a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity of typing. Whether one prefers a softer, more rounded sound or a sharper, more resonant sound will dictate which switch is the better fit for their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The CAP Anniversary has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Additionally, the CAP Anniversary has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference in weight indicates that the CAP Anniversary switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Green switch would be the ideal choice as it offers a lighter actuation force without sacrificing too much in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required for typing.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent key press experience in terms of the distance traveled when using either switch. The 4 mm travel distance is considered standard for linear switches, providing a smooth and efficient typing experience. Whether choosing the Gateron CAP Anniversary or the Outemu Silent Green, users can rely on a comfortable key press feel with the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
The Outemu Silent Green comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for providing a unique typing experience with a quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch is designed to minimize the sound produced during typing, making it a great choice for individuals looking for a silent typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience, offering users a responsive and smooth feel while typing. These qualities are achieved through the innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch's feel characteristics are currently unknown. Given this information, it can be assumed that the Silent Green switch may provide similar qualities of smoothness and responsiveness as the CAP Anniversary switch.
Considering the information provided, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary switch excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a quiet sound profile, while the Silent Green switch focuses on providing a silent typing experience. Whether you prefer a responsive and creamy typing feel with minimal noise or a silent and smooth typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Silent Green linear switches, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes and stability with minimal wobble, the Gateron CAP Anniversary with its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Each switch has its own strengths and it's important to choose the one that best aligns with your preferences.
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